Following the 2020 season, first base didn’t look like it’d be an area of concern for the Yankees for the next few years. Luke Voit led the Majors with 22 home runs in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, turning in a stout .277/.338/.610 batting line that was 53 percent better than the league-average hitter, by measure of wRC+. A series of injuries derailed much of Voit’s 2021 season, however, prompting the Yanks to trade for Anthony Rizzo at the deadline.
Fast forward several months, and Rizzo is a free agent, Voit is a possible trade candidate, and the Yankees have been linked to big-fish names like Oakland’s Matt Olson and even free agent Freddie Freeman, who has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal in Atlanta. Everyone’s wondering who’ll play shortstop at Yankee Stadium in 2022, but first base is a question mark in its own right, so let’s take a quick look at each of the most plausible possibilities.
Luke Voit: There’s certainly an argument for sticking with the status quo and giving Voit another go-around. Last year was blown up by a torn meniscus that required surgery, an oblique strain that wiped out another month, and then continued knee troubles in the season’s second half. Voit, who turned 31 just yesterday, managed just eight more plate appearances in 2021 than he did in the 60-game 2020 sprint.
When he was healthy, Voit was a solid hitter, slashing .239/.328/.437 (111 wRC+) with 11 long balls, seven doubles and a triple in 241 trips to the dish. However, he also saw his strikeout rate spike to a career-worst 30.7% as he struggled through those injuries, and that batting line is a far cry from his aforementioned dominance in 2020.
In the three seasons leading up to 2021, Voit batted a combined .278/.371/.541 with 58 home runs, an 11.6% walk rate and a 26.4% strikeout rate in 905 plate appearances. He grades out as a poor defender at first base, but it’s easier to overlook the glovework if he’s hitting like he did from 2018-20. If he’s hitting like he did in 2021, that defense becomes harder to hide. Voit is controlled three more seasons and projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn $5.4MM in 2022. He’s affordable and has plenty of upside with the bat — but there are red flags to consider as well. For his part, Voit told Dan Martin of the New York Post that he loves playing in New York and hopes to remain. He also acknowledged that a trade is possible.
DJ LeMahieu: The 33-year-old thrived with the 2019-20 Yankees, playing all over the infield and turning in a combined .336/.386/.536 showing with a tiny 12.7% strikeout rate. However, with a .268/.349/.362 batting line in 2021 (100 wRC+), LeMahieu had his own downturn at the plate this past season.
If LeMahieu were still hitting at his 2019-20 levels, that’d be more than enough offense even if he moved to first base on a full-time basis. If he’s “only” an average or slightly above-average hitter moving forward, then his versatility and ability to play other positions becomes more important.
The Yankees could still give LeMahieu the bulk of the work at first base in 2022, though it doesn’t seem like it’d be a top choice. It’s hard to see them doing so with Voit still on the roster, meaning they’d likely need to move Voit and spend the bulk of whatever resources they have remaining on other needs (shortstop, pitching, etc.).
Anthony Rizzo: Rizzo had a big start in New York, but by the time the season had run its course, his overall offensive production as a Yankee looked pretty similar to Voit’s 2021 output: .249/.340/.428 (113 wRC+). Rizzo was an offensive force with the Cubs from 2014-19, batting a collective .284/.388/.513 in that time and topping 30 home runs in four different seasons. He’s since settled in as more of a 20 to 25-homer threat who makes good contact (15.1% strikeout rate) and draws some walks but is no longer an MVP-caliber hitter.
Two points in Rizzo’s favor over Voit: he’d give the Yankees a left-handed bat to help further balance a lineup that skews heavily toward right-handed hitters, and he’s also generally considered to be a strong defender. Defensive metrics were down on Rizzo in 2021, but he still graded out better than Voit typically has. That’s also the only time in his career he’s ever drawn negative marks for his glovework at first base.
Rizzo would be a costlier option, even though his stock has dropped from the point at which the Cubs were offering him extensions to keep him beyond 2021. MLBTR predicted a three-year deal at a rate of $15MM per season heading into the offseason, and even that was in part due to some of the narrative building up Rizzo as a difference-making clubhouse presence and leader. Post-lockout, an even shorter deal can’t be completely ruled out. He’ll still cost quite a bit more than Voit, but he won’t break the bank relative to, say…
Freddie Freeman: Braves fans and pundits alike are still a bit surprised things have gotten to this point with Freeman, the homegrown Braves icon whom most onlookers considered a slam dunk to spend his entire career in Atlanta. It’s still wholly plausible that after a protracted set of contract negotiations, Freeman returns to anchor the lineup at Truist Park, settling in as a lifelong Brave. At the same time, there have been reports that the Yankees, Dodgers and perhaps the Blue Jays could at least try to pry Freeman from Atlanta by offering the lengthier deal and/or weightier annual salary he’s thought to seek.
Freeman, the 2020 National League MVP, shook off some early-season doldrums in 2021 and finished out the year with a pretty typical (for him) .300/.393/.503 slash through 695 plate appearances. These endpoints are completely arbitrary, so take them with a grain of salt, but on May 7, Freeman finished the day with a .195/.326/.407 slash. From that point forth he hit .324/.409/.526.
Freeman will turn 33 in September, so the always-prominent concerns about paying for a player’s decline phase exist here as well. It might take six years and an annual salary in the $30MM range to sign him (or at least a salary well north of $30MM on a five-year term). The Yankees obviously have the resources to do that — particularly if they take an affordable approach at shortstop, as has been rumored — but there’s plenty of long-term risk.
Matt Olson: Perhaps the most-speculated trade match of the entire offseason, Olson-to-the-Bronx makes a good deal of sense. He’s an elite fielding left-handed bat who broke out as one of the game’s most well-rounded offensive players in 2021. Always a 30-homer threat — he swatted 29 homers in 2018 and 36 in 2019 — Olson slashed his strikeout rate from 26.3% all the way to 16.8% this past season. He did so while maintaining a walk rate north of 13%, and the resulting .271/.371/.540 slash and 39 home runs were career-best marks.
The A’s control Olson through 2023, but he’s projected to earn $12MM in arbitration (via Swartz) at a time when the A’s are reportedly aiming to reduce payroll. He’d give the Yankees a clear upgrade for at least two years, coming with an affordable (for them) salary in both seasons. It’s always possible that the Yankees could look into a long-term deal in the aftermath of a trade, too.
That said, Olson’s going to come with one of the heftiest asking prices of any player on the trade market. Yankees fans are surely loath to even consider the possibility of including a headliner such as top shortstop prospect Anthony Volpe, but any trade scenario involving Olson is probably going to come at a prospect cost that upsets many fans. Olson will (or at least certainly should) command multiple players from the top echelon of any team’s farm system.
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Those are just a few possibilities for the Yankees, but they seem to be the most plausible paths for GM Brian Cashman and his staff to tread. After Freeman and Rizzo, the free-agent market doesn’t offer a clear everyday option at first base who’d be an upgrade over Voit and LeMahieu. There are other speculative trade candidates to consider (e.g. Dominic Smith, Josh Bell), but none who promise the impact and clear upgrade that Olson would bring to the fold.
Let’s open this up for readers to discuss and to take their best guess (link to poll for Trade Rumors iOS/Android app users) …
Hopefully not anthony rizzo. Although given the Yankees post 2000 tradition of acquiring has-beens who contribute virtually nothing to the team, there’s a decent chance that it will be rizzo. Lemahieu isn’t nearly good enough offensively for 1B (he’s no longer good with the glove, either). And Freeman is too old to sign to a long term deal (could fall off a cliff any given year now). Although, again, considering the Yankees’ post=2000 tradition of acquiring has-beens and players on the verge of dramatic decline, there’s also a decent chance it will be Freeman.
I think the Yankees are likely to do one of the following:
1. Trade for Olson, add a veteran glove-first SS
2. Sign Rizzo, trade for IKF or add a veteran glove-first SS
3. Sign Story to a 1-year “prove it” deal, hope Voit stays healthy or *maybe* re-sign Rizzo and still hope Voit is healthy enough to play and later trade
I think most of those would also include a low-leverage trade for a CFer. Not really seeing any big CF value out there that they’ve been tied to so far, but I wouldn’t rule it out. Problem is the Yanks don’t have the $$$ or trade capital (that they’re willing to part with) to do what they need, which is: a good SS, a good CFer, and a 1B that can stay healthy. I think Rizzo is a very solid option for them at 1B, but only if they’re adding other meaningful pieces.
Although based off their relative inaction prior to the CBA expiring, and the high cost of Olson, my guess is Story is the biggest “splash” they might get at this point. I think they’re fairly confident Volpe is the real deal (I’m not so sure), so Story, a defensive SS like Iglesias, or trading for IKF, will be seen as the way to bridge the gap to what they hopefully see as the permanent star SS of the future. The sad thing is they probably should have tried selling at the TDL last year, but it’s the Yankees. They seemingly will never break down and admit a sell-off is needed.
@mostlytoasty Why would a guy coming off a 3.5 WAR season who has averaged 5.1 WAR per 162 games played the past 4 seasons sign a “one-year prove it deal?” It doesn’t get much more proven than that.
Story had a down year by his standards. I personally don’t think he has to “prove it,” but even MLBTR has pointed out many times this offseason that he could do a Semien-style approach and take a one-year deal somewhere, even if off-position, show last year’s “slump” was a fluke, and then sign a mega contract somewhere else. I’m sure his agents would like to point to his WAR, but he had basically a league-average OPS+ last year… with half of his games at Coors field. As of right now, if he wants a multi-year deal, he’s going to make a lot less money than he would have if he was coming off his 2019 or 2020 performances..
3.5 WAR isn’t a slump. And why say he had a league average OPS+ “with half of his games at Coors Field?” Doesn’t OPS+ already account for park factors?
I agree. Story’s “prove it” year is based on good numbers comparatively already, so it’s unnecessary for him. Only IF he wants to maximize his profits in FA next year will he accept that. My opinion, he would be more open to a 5-year deal with an opt-out after 2, that way he can read the market and capitalize on his talent if he has two MVP years.
Personally, I think Story is the best move for the Yankees, all things considered, and I thought so at the beginning of the offseason too, simply because of the years & $ Seager/Correa wanted.
@Yankee Clipper If signing a one year deal were guaranteed to maximize his profits every free agent would do it. It could very easily backfire if he gets injured or undeperforms in 2022.
Yes… that’s the point. The only reason I see he manages more than a 1-year deal, is he gets a contract with an early opt out. He has the draft pick compensation tied to his contract, unless CBA changes could alter that (I’m not familiar if that makes a difference since he already rejected QO).
It’s really not a hard concept. He had a down year. If he wants to get the most money possible for the remainder of his career he would sign a shorter deal, ball out, and then secure a bigger bag later down the line. Seager signed a 10-year deal for $325 million despite only playing over 100 games in half of his 6 full seasons so far, and averaging WAR at a lower pace than Story (if stretched to full season avg). Does anyone realistically see him getting even close to that kind of deal? Absolutely not. MLBTR projects him at a $20 mil AAV if he signs a multi-year deal somewhere.
LegendaryHambre: That’s exactly why I agree with you that it’s unnecessary. He’s already got good numbers. A down year for him isn’t a bad year comparatively, so a “prove it” year would defeat its purpose, other than simply for Story to put up “better” numbers – not worth it.
I don’t think he would agree to it, imho. I don’t see why he would. An opt-put for during a longer contract is far more likely, if any at all.
@mostlytoasty Story isn’t signing a one year deal.
great insight!
@mostlytoasty I know it is.
@mostlytoasty Trevor Story is not guaranteed to “ball out” if he signs a short term deal and is not the type of player that gets hurt by draft pick compensation.
Yes. There are things called risks. Players like Semien that opted for a 1-year “prove it” deal to show his lousy pandemic-shortened season was a blip, and it proved to be the best decision he’ll likely ever make in his whole life. Players like Juan Gonzalez are the ones that gambled on themselves and lost.
As I said before, I don’t think Story has to do a “prove it” deal at all. Merely that it is an option. He also might find a shorter deal more amenable if it’s with a playoff-contending team. The Yankees have virtually never sold off at the TDL and given up mid-season, at least in the 21st century. Alternatively, if a team is willing to give him $120 mil/6 years, I don’t see him necessarily turning that down either. But if you look at the money the top SS are lined up to make, then it doesn’t take much logic to realize it could be worth it to recoup his value some and then test the market in another year or two.
His 2021 performance hurt his value. That’s just a reality. I don’t now how folks seem confused by this. You can yell till red in the face about how good he’s been historically, but that’s not going to net him a magical extra $100 mil.
@mostlytoasty Semien was garbage in 2020. Story’s 2021 was still better than most players. 2021 didn’t hurt his value at all.
Yankees sold off at the deadline in 2016.
Story will beat 6/$120m in his sleep.
Don’t go into hiding when (not if, when) Story gets a multi year deal this offseason.
If Story doesn’t have to “prove it”, why would he sign a “prove it” deal? Why is it even being discussed? Players want high salaries, but they also want security. There’s no security in a 0ne-year deal. No player is signing a one-year deal that doesn’t have to. It’s silly to even be talking about it.
@tad2b13 Perzactly!
2021 wasn’t as good as a typical story year. Which is why he’ll probably want an opt out. But he isn’t going to want a 1 year deal. There’s no reason for him to take it. Semien would’ve had to give a lot more up in salary if he wanted a multi year deal with an opt out.
Semien also only had 1 year of top tier offensive production before last season. 100 million dollar deals weren’t on the table for him.
@jbigz12 And teams are likely going to want a big discount in years/AAV for giving Story an opt-out. If you’re signing him to a multiyear deal the point is for him NOT to just peace the eff out after a year or two if the deal is going well for you.
@mostlytoasty
Because of the loss of draft pick, and more importantly, the loss of signing pool money that goes with it, teams aren’t going to want to give that up for only one year of any player.
Teams will probably accept the fact that the opt out is getting exercised.E-Rod got himself 75MM and an opt out. Story will still do very well. A number of teams like the Yankees would probably prefer to have him ST at a lower AAV by using a likely opt out strategy.
Like the Yankees do a front loaded 6/120 deal with Story where they pay him 70 million in the first 2 years and then he gets to opt out every season after.
Then the Yankees take the downside risk as 4/50. While making his CBT tax 20MM per during the first 2. That has its advantages for both sides. That really is only advantageous for a team with Lux tax concerns that wants him for the time period before the opt out.
Javy Baez or E-Rod’s opt outs stink for the Tigers especially given their window. They could both be gone in 2 years.
If they only want him for the time period before the opt-out then he’s 100% not opting out.
Ryan you’re looking at this in a very simple way.
If they’re planning to make the deal team friendly in the back half to lower the overall AAV—they’re accepting him opting out as the strategy.
He only opts out if he feels he has more value. But the team believes he will by the nature of the frontloaded contract.
Making it a 2 year deal w/ downside protection For the player BUT in return for that protection the team gets to have him at a 20MM AAV instead of 35.
That’s a trade off and that’s a very possible outcome. A team right up against the lux tax line may prefer to spread the cost out and plan for an opt out. May not happen & you accept that risk for the lower AAV return. Obviously if the player isn’t worth the money he has left on his deal —he’s not going to opt out. That’s very obvious.
I doubt they sign Freeman. He’ll most likely sign with Atlanta again
I heard a rumor that the Los Angeles Lakers are going to trade for Matt Olson.
You must be a baseball purist.
I don’t see the Yankees signing anyone long term. Freeman wants more than two years, Rizzo won’t sign for two years and Olson will cost too much for two years. That leaves us with the injury prone, .267 hitter, Right Handed Luke Voit.
No rays of sunshine for the Yankees.
At least if Voit has a decent start to the first half of the season he can be traded
Especially with the DH league-wide.
Could be.
The stuff with his left knee could very well become a long term issue though. Kind of is already. But, he has a great eye, works hard, & knocks the crap out of the ball.
Even if we add an outside 1B (& it’s one of the easiest places to add some lineup balance – which Cash did at the deadline) I would still be tempted to hang onto him. It would be like when we traded for Encarnacion.
Rob Refsnyder
Getting a bit old don’t you think?
Some jokes never get old.
Not around here anyway.
One guy on this list stands out as a true difference maker for NY and that is Matt Olson. Sure, he’s going to cost a lot in prospect value but he’s be worth taking that chance on, especially being a LH batter. He might hit 45 HRs for NY playing 1/2 his games in the Bronx and he plays elite defense too.
Don’t disagree but that “true difference maker” disappeared in the playoffs when it really counts…especially if the cost of obtaining him is actually as high as projected….Dave Winfield was an outstanding hitter during the year and absolutely disapeared in the playoffs hence George’s moniker…..don’t need a repeat of that…..Freeman is the #1 guy to get, and if not, fall back to Rizzo as his left-handed bat balances the lineup and he provides GG defense at 1st……Voit fell in love with the long ball and if .239 is considered being a “solid hitter” I’m speechless (which many hope for anyway)….just thinking!
Postseason numbers are always a small sample. Saying so-and-so always disappears in the playoffs is a false narrative.
Indeed, a guy could have a bad turkey sandwich on Monday and have a few bad games while playing sick/Ill the rest of the week. I doubt anyone in their right mind is going to make a player acquisition based on arbitrary and limited playoff stats. “Joe Schmoe once went a weekend without hitting an extra base hit – clearly he should never be in the lineup on Saturdays or Sundays.”
Winfield “disappeared” during the playoffs due to sheer chance. He had good streaks and bad streaks, bad streaks came during the playoffs. There’s no causation there. He didn’t suddenly lose his talent cuz October rolled around. This nonsense that players ability is different during the regular and post seasons needs to die. It’s completely irrational.
@Cosmo2
I wouldn’t say it is completely irrational. Some people struggle when the lights get brighter. The pressure mounts and in the playoffs EVER pitch matters, everything is magnified in a best of 7 series.
Why do you think some pitchers just aren’t made to be closers, no matter how great they are in the 7th or 8th?
braves25:
While I can’t disagree with what you say about closers, the fact remains, that because PS numbers are always small samples, usually spread out over multiple series, and seasons, it’s impossible to quantify who struggles on the big stage, and who doesn’t.
I don’t believe that it is true that some folks can pitch the 8th but not the 9th. This is part of the myth.
You mean “Mr May”?!
While I disagree with the statement that there is only one difference maker, I also wouldn’t describe Olsen as not showing up for the playoffs. He hasn’t performed well to date but then how much stock do you really put in a total of 28 AB’s?
@Dorothy_Mantooth- If Peraza, Sweney or Wells isn’t part of the package to Oakland, then Olson isn’t coming to the Yankees. The Yankees have said no so far. Looking like it will be Freeman, Rizzo, or DJ playing lst base. Expecting Voit to be traded somewhere for a pitcher especially with the universal dh.
I sense Cashman wi8ll talk Pedro Alvarez out of retirement to man 1B for his home town Yanks 🙂
I think it will be DJL if not him Voit. I do not think the Yankees are signing anyone for more then one year ( Aaron Judge included).
Aaron Donald
Or Donald Duck
Cashman looking to corner the market for Aarons 🙂
I agree that Olson is the best option, just don’t think Cashman will forfeit the prospects necessary.
Interesting that Voit is the #1 poll choice. Management moved on from him with Rizzo even when he could have played. I’d be shocked if Voit isn’t traded. Huge injury risk, no room at DH.
I voted Voit because I I don’t see them going with any of the other guys, and he’s there already. I know DJM is there but I think moving him to 1B is not a good idea. Trading Voit now would be trading him when is value is low. They aren’t going to get much in return for him.
I didn’t vote Olson because, like you, I don’t think Cashman meets the price, but he should. A known quantity like Olson is worth more than prospects who may or may not develop as hoped. Two arb years with the possibility of extending Olson is worth what it will cost.
Voit is the new Frazier. Yanks all time great that rides the pine and brings back a top of the rotation arm when paired with Andujar
At least Voit produces…when he’s not injured.
Greg Bird……..just kidding,or am I…..
LeMahieu is going to want a starting job. His defensive metrics at 1B were excellent, albeit a small sample size.
Priorities should be fixing the defense at the premium positions, the team speed issue, and finding a big innings #2 SP to help offset the overworked bullpen. All that needs to be addressed before adding another slow corner bat with power to play 1B.
Cashman just praying the players win the CBT battle fully, at this point.
I’m doubtful that NYY have the type of players that OAK would want back. Oakland has several ss candidates of their own in their system and they tend to lean towards MLB ready players. OF, 1B and P look to be their most immediate needs, and the NYY don’t seem to have an abundance of that to offer. They surely wouldn’t turn down Volpe, but why would you trade the ss of the future for the 1B of the next two years?
The Yanks don’t have MLB ready talent to trade? How about Voit and Gleyber Torres and Gil? Olsen would take over 1B. DJ at 2B and they have tons of MLB ready bullpen pieces.
Gil’s a question mark and Torres and Voit make too much money for Oakland.
The A’s would want controllable players for Olson.
It’s not what you think Oakland might take for Olson. There are other teams where Olson would be a huge upgrade. I’d have to think several other teams would make better offers than Voit, Torres, and Gil.
@Demin Voit, Torres, and Gil aren’t enough for Olson IMO. Yankees fans (in particular) overvalue both Voit and Torres current market value. I think the Yankees are content to see what Torres can do at 2B anyways. A’s would want at least two of their top prospects. So you’re looking at a mix-and-match of Gil, Volpe, Dominguez, and Peraza most likely. If the Yanks were all-in this season, maybe that would work.
But there are still big holes, and only SS is the one that can be filled by a major FA signing. Voit has nearly zero value to the A’s unless they think he can stay healthy and then flip him at the TDL. His contract is cheap, especially if he can return to 2020 form. But he’s a weak 3rd piece in his current state, and if I’m the Yankees I don’t want to trade two of my top prospect chips for an Olson package.
@deminzzzzzr
Voit and Torres don’t have enough service time left on the clock. Oakland will be looking for 5-6 yrs. They could be minor pieces, but not gonna get you Olson. They don’t move the needle for Oakland.
@stymeedone- the A’s want Peraza, Gil and either Wells or Sweeney in a Olson trade. The Yankees definitely have the pieces for a trade for Olson, but have said no so far. Why not hold on to these top prospects and just sign Freddie Freeman or Anthony Rizzo? That would make a lot more sense then making a trade for Olson.
Olson to the Yankees for Dominguez, Vargas, Wells and Waldichuk.
That would literally never happen. Because it’s too much & because Cashman would never give that much capital for Olson.
Well why don’t you “literally” take it up with John Bitzer?
I wouldn’t be surprised if A’s ask for something similar, especially if there’s that much comp for Olson. I also don’t think the prospects for Olson are that far off from what you listed, but not quite that. Cash is too prospect cheap to get it done though. I envision him going as far as three of those, but substitute Peraza/Sweeney for Dominguez, or some combo of Sweeney & Periera / Cabrera.
It’s all on how the A’s value the Yankees guys. The Yankees could provide quantity to make up for quality. But, that’s simply my emotional Yankees fan hope. I’m planning on being very disappointed.
Dominguez is the one that I have to imagine Billy Beane wouldn’t be willing to negotiate on.
Yeah, I could certainly see Beane not budging, nor Cashman, which is why I don’t think there’s a chance at this, much to my dismay.
Cashman has three “untouchables” right now that are dubbed the next greats. I understand the value of prospects, but I think they’re often overvalued to a fault, especially by Cashman.
What’s more important: hype or rings?
Exactly. Rings is the obvious answer. To the current Yankees, it’s neither. It’s money.
A package of Peraza, Gil, Schmidt and one other Top 15-20 prospect should get Oakland’s attention. If Volpe is their SS of the future, they should have no issue using Peraza & Gil as the headliners in a deal for Olson. Oakland will definitely want some pitching back as they appear ready to deal some of their starters too. While the Yankees may not have a 1B replacement for Olson (Oakland most likely won’t take Voit due to his salary and lack of control), they can find their new 1B when they deal one of their starters. Oakland might take a package of Peraza, Gil, Schmidt & Volt if NY agrees to take Elvis Andrews off their hands too.
Dorothy: I think that’s on point from both sides IF a deal between them is completed. That’s a good breakdown of what Cashman would agree to (if he lets Peraza go) & would net a reasonable return for Oak. I assume the other prospect to be Everson Periera or Vargas or Cabrera.
Nice job, Dorothy.
It will be Torres
The Yankees have gone cheap. It pains me to say that, but it’s true. George Steinbrenner must be rolling over in his grave
Is there room in a casket to roll over?
They spend more than any other AL team. They aren’t cheap. They just spend poorly and don’t draft and develop to help offset that. The players the Yankees count on and pay the most are 30 plus years old. Defense and speed are not nearly WS caliber.
@brucenewton In 2023 they have on the books: Cole @ $36 mil, Stanton @ $32 mil, DJ @ $15 mil, and Hicks @ $9.8 mil, Severino @ $15 mil (club option)
Chapman, Judge, Britton, Gallo, and Sanchez are all UFAs. Most of their top prospects are still years off.
I agree most of their money is tied up in bloated contracts for older players. In theory, if their season goes poorly this year, this TDL would be a CRITICAL time to opt for a rebuild. Trade what you can from the 2023 UFA list, Judge included. I’d be targeting corner IF, C, and a real stud CFer. If you can net some young, MLB or near-ready players in those, you’re looking at the end of 2023 as getting a good sense for the future of the Yankees. And nothing is stopping them from adding core pieces via FA as you figure out where the weak spots are.
By 2024, you could have Volpe, Peraza, Gil, Wells, Medina, and others up on the roster, with Arias and Dominguez probably not far off. Now, not every prospect is going to be a sure thing. But again, they can add depth through offloading some of these assets via trade, and then clearing up a lot more cap space in order to target top FAs like the Yankees of the Steinbrenner era.
Sadly, the Yankees would probably NEVER even think about rebuilding, even though the Red Sox just showed you can make the playoffs during a rebuild year.
The Yankees did a small rebuild or whatever in 2016. They traded Chapman, Beltran and Miller for a bunch of prospects that have either helped acquire guys or contributed.
There should be enough room for George to roll over but he might have to adjust his bags of cash. After all, Beethoven rolled over in his grave so well that they wrote a song about it.
Yeah.
If George was alive today, he would drop a deuce on Boonies desk, rub his nose in it, & swat him with a newspaper.
{sigh} George was a saint.
Just when I didn’t think you could stoop any lower, Ducky, you go and totally redeem yourself with this poetic visualization masterpiece! Lol.
If it’s not broke don’t fix it. My guess is voit, but i think he’s going to get treated like tauchman at this point. I wouldn’t make a trade unless the capital warrants it. Signing freeman is just idiotic and makes cashman look like an idiot. This rotation is questionable at best and any upgrades should be focused there for you yankee fans that think you’ll get 150 innings out of Taillon and Severino Each.
That’s why I think an internal option is more likely (Voit, DJL) than Freeman or Olson. If 1B were all that held the Yankees back, they would go for it.
Putting DJ at 1b is just wasting his versatility that he can be an upgrade pretty much anywhere in the infield. An olson trade would be nice and they have the capital if oaklands willing to take quantity over quality, but they want mlb ready talent and i don’t see that happening either.
I voted Olson. If it comes true, I’m claiming I believed that all along; it’s actually just my hope it comes to fruition (my Yankee fandom).
Reality tells me it will be Voit or DJL, unfortunately….
Cashman already said he doesn’t want to give up any of the top three prospects, which essentially eliminates any trade for Olson. The only exception to this is if Sweeney co to use to improve and his stock rises this year along with top pitching (Gil, etc). Nevertheless, I don’t see it unless Cashman’s approach changes.
Plus, I don’t think any true Yankees fans think we are getting 300 innings (or anywhere near that) for Sevy / Tallion. My opinion is we need two starting pitchers, minimum. I’d suggest Rodon / Bassitt at this point, but who knows with CashHal. They seem to like stagnation.
Not Voit, he’s on the scrap heap. He’ll be the Pirates’ DH soon. Or some other tanking team trying to pretend to field MLers.
We would gladly take the upgrade here. Send him over for peanuts and it’s a done deal.
How do 3 people who don’t play for the Yankees on the poll and Joey Gallo isn’t?
I think that’s a logical point, but he’s so valuable in the outfield that he wouldn’t be considered an option.
Kevin Maas?
Miss that guy’s two good months.
I went with Voit only because I expect the Yanks to be cheap. It’s a lot like their catcher situation, where they should upgrade but won’t because the player is still relatively cheap and is just good enough to keep his job. I expect a mid season trade if nothing works out well at first.
Eh, uninspiring. None of this would be that much of an issue if the rest of the Yankee s just played to their capacities. Last year only two players with more than 250PA had OPS+ of over 100. Those below were Sanchez, DJL, Gardner, Torres and Urshela. 2/3 of the lineup was mediocre or worse.
Voit & Garcia for Hader.
DJL 1B
Simmons SS
Greg Bird backing up at 1B
The asking price for Hader is much, much more than Garcia. I assume they would be looking at top
Yankees prospects (2) with Voit as a third piece. But it’ll cost nonetheless, more than Cashman will give.
YC, I agree. Brewers aren’t giving up Hader for mediocre MLB players.
Try again Dave on the Hader trade proposal. Yankee Clipper is right that is way to low of a return for Hader. He is a elite closer and I would say the best right now. It will take top prospect(s) to pry Hader from the Brewers. I think TOR starting pitching is more of a dire need on the Yankees though. I expect the Yankees to go cheap though. That seems to be the new Yankee way. I can see them signing Story then going cheap on first base but I’m guessing it will be Voit there.
If you think thats enough to get Hader its a good thing you aren’t a GM
I would change the question mark to a period.
Then remove the Poll: at the beginning.
I don’t know.
Third base!
The baby bomber formerly known as Greg bird
All I know is that Rizzo would likely be a downgrade from what they have now so…
Vogelbach
What I personally want the Yankees to do and what I think they are going to do are two entirely different things.
I absolutely want them to sign Freeman. The problem with that is that with the way ownership has operated the last 10 years+ is that it means that they wouldn’t be willing to resign Judge to an extension as well. That can’t happen.
In that same vein, trading for Olson and giving up prospect capital for a position that you could simply spend money on or keep the very good but flawed and redundant player in Voit doesn’t seem like it’s the best idea.
So that leaves resigning Rizzo as their best and realistic option.
I’d rather just go with Voit. Rizzo is a slightly above league average player (in decline) who you’ll have to pay like an all star. Rizzo isn’t better than what they have now.
I am not entirely convinced that Rizzo is going to be able to get a deal longer than 4 years, unless Boston comes in a blows him away.
I don’t see Boston going after Rizzo. I really don’t see Boston going after Olson either first base isn’t a need and Casas will be manning first very soon. The Red Sox have other much more important needs.
Well, I can definitely be eliminated. Carry on.
I think they swing a trade for Josh Bell. I don’t think they have the stomach to go past the financial constraints they have put on themselves and I don’t think they have the stomach to trade away the farm to get olson. I think a Josh Bell trade is the middle ground and thats what this team is about… the middle ground, the safe bet. They lost that win at all costs mentality when George died.
Is Bell really better than what they have? Bell is an atrocious fielder and not a better hitter than Voit. Like, if you’re gonna upgrade from Voit try and get an actually better player.
I chose “other” and I think they will swing a cross-town deal for Jeff McNeil and/or Dom Smith.
Don Mattingly
He will be glad for an opt out from the Fish.
No one will. With Analytics and The Shift, you don’t need a 1st baseman anymore.
The obvious thing is Rizzo is better than Voit but the negative part is Rizzo will be a lot more expensive. Yankees won’t make the playoffs with their anemic homerun hitting approach at the plate either way, regardless of if Voit or Rizzo mans first. So why don’t they just have Cris Carter play 1B again? It won’t matter. They’ll be first round exits in the division series…again
I don’t believe it’s clear that Rizzo is that much better than Voit. Compare their slash lines:
Rizzo: .268/.369/.481 OPS .850
Voit: .267/.357/.510 OPS .867
The big difference is that Voit has played only about 25% of the number of games Rizzo has, so Rizzo has a huge lead in WAR.
I would give the edge to Rizzo as the better of the two. Voit has more power and a better HR ratio, but Rizzo walks more and strikes out less.
But given that Voit is on the roster, and Rizzo is a FA, I’d go with Voit. Especially since I don’t see Rizzo as the difference maker that Olson, or Freeman is.
Rizzo isn’t nearly as injury-prone as Luke
The past is the past, and no one can see into the future. I think the belief that a guy who’s had injuries, will always be having injuries, and a guy that’s been healthy will always be so, is a formula for disappointment.
What’s your thoughts on Gary Sanchez lol
Non-tender candidate for me.
I tend to agree but the Yankees seem to re sign him every year despite his inability to play at a Major League level. It’d be interesting to see if they non-tender him or not. I always thought Romine was the better player
In 2023?
Lots of Wild Yankees trade proposals being floated. The latest I have seen is for the Yankees to trade for Olson, CF Laureano, and pitchers Sean Maneao or Chris Bassett?!
It will be a very competitive bidding process for the A’s star players.
Yankees will face very stiff competition from better stocked farm systems
and younger MLB rosters like the Rays, Guardians, Marlins, Mariners etc.
Maybe, the Yankees are competitive on one of those players like Olson.
But, I don’t think the Yankees have the farm system and major league roster depth to get 2 or 3 of the A’s best players on the trading block.
If they go big and bold like the NFL Rams did and put all their chips in the center of the table, then the NYY could win another championship.
The Yankees do have the prospects to get all of those guys. Laureano is on a steroid suspension. Bassist/Manaea only have 1 year of control left.
It’s more likely the A’s will try to sell most of these guys individually because it’s odd to see 8-9 prospects get sent away in one deal. They’d have to reallylike a lot of guys from one system. But if the Yankees dangled Dominguez, Peraza, Wells, Luis Gil etc. they have the capital to get them all. It will drain the system but if it’s their prerogative then they could.
I said other (Josh Bell). Just a hunch even though he’s not much better than Voigt. However, I have a feeling that if Freeman doesn’t resign with Atlanta, it could be because he’s enamored with possibly being a Yankee.
That is correct.. What will be playing 2B and I Don’t Know on third.
One big wild card is what is going to happen with the luxury tax/cap penalties. Assuming no change or maybe a nominal bump in the cap I don’t see the Yankees taking on an large contract.
spotrac.com/mlb/tax/
The Yankees are currently over by 11 million. They could deal for an Olson and get to 23 million over. I don’t know if they will shed payroll or add. The tax would bump them up, under the current rules to 30%, so if they get to 30 million over they will pay 10 million more under the current rules.
I think the big question is will they care if they are really over the tax and paying a bigger penalty. If they get Olson he is a UFA in 2 years. Judge’s contract is coming up. I don’t see them shedding a lot of payroll in the near future either.
With that short right field fence at Yankee Stadium.
Granderson hit 40 and 41 home runs in consecutive years @ Yankee stadium after being traded from a huge pitchers ballpark in Detroit.
Olson could hit 60 home runs in a year at Yankees stadium.
Not sure if they have enough trade bait to get Olson but I think they will go to the wall to try because they want to go cheap on salaries and he could be there manning 1B in the Bronx for 10 years. Failing that it will be fascinating to see if the new Mets would deal with the Yankees. With Cohen’s confidence and ex-Cashman protege Eppler as GM I think they might. If so I would take a swing at trading for Dom Smith and platoon him with Voit.
They have more than enough chips to get Olson.
Other: no one. 2022 is going to be cancelled because the owners are greedy and also incredibly stupid.
It will end up being Voit. Cashman isn’t going to add anyone that another tean isn’t paying for
Don’t forget… We have to Save enough money to sign Gardner for another year… And then another year… And then another year!
I do think the Yankees have an interest in Freeman, but I see him returning to the Braves. The price in prospects for Olson will be too high.
Voit, with LeMahieu backing, will be the 1B’men. Voit has a 137 OPS+ for the Yankees and he’s cheap. They’ll hold their prospects and stick with the bat that’s already shown it has a big impact. They should add in another lefty bat, but they can do that as the season progresses.
Other: Trade for catcher Luis Campusano and first baseman Eric Hosmer from San Diego.
Some team could probably get Campusano if they took on Hosmer’s contract, but is Campusano worth it? I doubt it.
I’ll say Who knows.
Dodgers might be in on Freeman, Braves are likely to be a better trade partner for Olson than the Yanks; and who knows where Rizzo lands ! Maybe in Seattle to play 1B while moving France to 3B or even in Atlanta if they fail to get Olson as the back k up plan because Texas is said to be exploring a deal for Olson and they could send IKF/Lowe fur the cornerstone Star !
Who cares? Yankees have been to 1 world series since 2003. Why not talk about relevant teams? A better question: When does the rebuild start in the Bronx?
Meanwhile, Geovanny Gallegos is the Cardinals’ best reliever and will probably be their closer this year. Who’s won the Luke Voit trade now?
Yankees’ Cashman to call the master of all trades A’s VP, General Manager Billy Beane. The make-sense type of package for the A’s is headed as follows:
Yankees get:
First Baseman Matt Olson (Matt will take care of Trevor Story, if hired, as he did with Semien).
SP Shawn Manea (no-no to a powerful Red Sox teams; dazzle with it again last season against the Rays).
A’s get rookies:
SS Anthony Volpe (AAA prospect)
OF Jason Dominguez (A prospect)
RHP Luis Gill (believe Gil had a taste at MLB last season)
RHP Clarke Smith (AAA Prospect)
SS Oswald Peraza (AAA prospect)
RHP Luis Medina (AA prospect)
LHP Yoendrys Gomez (A prospect)
I’m sure Billy Beane will at least listen to this trade scenario. I mean, the sky is the limit with Olson and Manea got lots of talent too whereas the prospects coming back to the Athetics well they have to prove themselves but granted Oakland’s market is not New York’s and vice-versa. Win-win situation for all parties involved…
The Yankees will not be paying a 1st baseman $30+ million next year or in the near future. Solid production from first can be bought at less than half that cost. They already have 2 $30 million contracts on the books and next year Judge will make 3. No way they lock up $120-$130 million on 4 players with one being a first baseman. They will try to get Rizzo cheap or will just go with Voit. DJL will need a full time place as well after Torres moved to 2nd. No the Yankees have too many other needs to sign a premium first baseman.